Council acknowledges the passing of music legend Max Cochrane

He aituā, he aituā. Kua hinga he tōtara nui i te waoku a Tāne. He maimai aroha mō Pāpā Max Cochrane. Far North District Council acknowledges the passing of Max Cochrane, affectionately known to many as Pāpā Max or Uncle Max.

Pāpā Max will be remembered as one of the Far North's most respected musical figures, dedicating much of his life to sharing his talents with rangatahi.

He was widely known as the face of Te Reo o te Piriwiritua, a Rātana movement that celebrates faith, waiata and te reo Māori, and was admired for the way he brought people together through music and encouraged others to carry those traditions forward.

Deputy Mayor Kohepu Chicky Rudkin said Mr Cochrane's legacy would live on through the many lives he influenced.

"Max dedicated so much of his life to uplifting our communities through music, culture and connection. He inspired people of all ages and leaves behind a legacy that will continue to resonate throughout Te Tai Tokerau.

"On behalf of Far North District Council, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Max's whānau, friends and all those whose lives he touched. Moe mai rā e te rangatira."

Pāpā Max will be lying in state at Ōkirihi Marae and his burial details are yet to be determined. To acknowledge his passing, the flag at Far North District Council office will fly at half-mast.

Nō reira e te rangatira e Pāpā Max, haere ki roto i a rātou o te wāhi ngaro, haere mai, haere, kia okioki mai.